WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Political Affairs Dan Naatz issued the following statement regarding the Obama Administration’s decision to not list the Greater sage-grouse under the Endangered Species Act (ESA):
“While today’s non-warranted decision by the Department of the Interior is not unexpected, IPAA continues to believe these new federal land-use plans will ultimately result in a far greater economic impact for America’s independent oil and natural gas producers – small businesses with an average of 15 employees. Despite the numerous private-public partnerships and voluntary conservation efforts to conserve the greater sage-grouse and its habitat, America’s energy producers – and in turn, the American taxpayers – will suffer from these more-restrictive land management plans.
“IPAA members have demonstrated to be willing and committed partners in species and habitat conservation. These local businesses have proven it’s possible to balance a thoughtful, targeted conservation approach with energy and economic development – the very foundation for many small towns and local communities in the 11-state range. At a time when America’s oil and natural gas producers are already facing significant cost uncertainties, today’s decision will put more restrictions on our energy producers, making it more costly to operate and harder to provide the benefits of abundant, affordable energy to American families. We firmly believe that the greater sage-grouse can be protected without the economic harm that results from these unworkable land management plans.”
###
